Rating: 7.5/10 (remember, new rating system)

Impressions:

This final episode of OtoBoku was released as DVD special, and features Takako as Tsunderella in the OtoBoku version of Cinderella. Of course, this is a pure comedy episode, though I would have preferred some kind of aftermath episode following on from episode 12. Anyway, contradictory to what the screen captures might suggest, this episode is animated almost entirely in chibi form, with a few exceptions (comedy and fanservice). Hilarity-wise, this episode proves to be pretty good, with an awesome cast. Parodies of Snow White are apparent as well, and overall the chibi style of animation really topped everything off.

Rating: 9.3/10

Overall Series Rating: 8.2/10

Impressions:

This is actually a pretty good ending in my opinion, and I’m not even a Takako fan. I know there are quite a few people who don’t like open endings, especially this one, but in my opinion, there is no other way to end a school life show. How do you actually ‘end’ the series if it’s about nothing in the first place? Other than killing off all the characters lol. Well, I guess the problem which slowly presented itself over time was the relationship everyone had with one another. The most important ones would be those between Mariya, Mizuho and Takako. Mariya and Mizuho resolved any issues between them last episode, while he and Takako, as well as her and Mariya, resolve their problems this episode. Because of this, I see it as a fitting end. As the credits role, Mizuho and the ‘gang’ are shown in various fun activities, before she finally graduates. I doubt the OAV coming out in a few months will resolve anything. It will probably some sort of reunion of Mizuho and the others. Actually no, that’s what I hope the OAV will be about. It just seems more fitting that way.

I mentioned before that I am not a Takako fan, but the fact that she became very sweet at the end (as do all tsundere stereotypes), I came to like her quite a bit in the last episode, though Mariya is still my favourite. If you had to say whether this ending is a Mariya or Takako one, it would have to be Takako. I don’t like the idea of Mizuho ending with anyone though (which she doesn’t), and I doubt the scriptwriters did either. They gave an episode to Mariya; episode 11, and this one to Takako. In the very end though, prior to the end of year still shots, everyone is shown wanting Mizuho. This clearly indicates equality and that no one was intended to end up with Mizuho in the first place. Besides, although Takako loves Mizuho, he never shows any sign of liking anyone. This is also the reason why I doubt the OAV will resolve anything. Oh, and perhaps we get to see Mizuho more as a man in the OAV. Overall, this was an enjoyable series, and I would recommend it. It turned out as a school life/comedy/drama series, and a nice combination at that.

Rating: 9.2/10 & 9/10

Impressions:

These two episodes are surprisingly very good, combining drama and some comedy with more plot movement than perhaps the whole first half of the series. Mariya, my favourite character, gets some serious development while Takako finally learns about the truth about Mizuho just when she is about to realise her true feelings for him. And yeah, I guess I should call Mizuho ‘he’ now, since the chest is pretty strong evidence. It still doesn’t explain that time when she tries on bikinis…Anyway though, the final episode (yes I don’t know what happens) should resolve Takako’s feelings for Mizuho, while Mariya will probably have some fight with her as the grand finale. I don’t think Mizuho will end up with anyone as, well, he IS meant to be a girl in an all-girls school, so it doesn’t really work; unless the series is yuri enough to make everyone assume same-sex love is more normal than straight love…I’m assume the very end will be Mizuho dancing with someone, and both girls (Takako and Mariya) calming down over Mizuho and accepting their position in his life. I mean, it’s not like Mizuho has shown any interest in anyone yet, with is HIGHLY unusually since he is surrounded by girls everyday.

Rating: 8.3/10 & 8.7/10

Impressions:

Hmm so it’s been some consecutive per-character episodes, meaning that each main character gets the spotlight for an episode to further develop their character and perhaps a little more of their past. Yukari takes episode 8 while Mariya takes 9. As Mariya is by far my favourite character, episode 9 has been my favourite episode so far, and it is the least foolish as well. However, because of that, I am already sad at the notion of a Mizuho x Takako pairing. The happy-go-lucky, fiery childhood friend is so much more fun than the aggressive, tsundere student council president and classmate, and a more fitting companion of Mizuho as well, in my opinion. I was quite touched at her story though, as hers is the only one so far that has some intelligence in it. Mariya, seeing Mizuho step forward by herself without her, is worried that she is losing her. Soon, Mariya won’t be needed, and the dreadful feeling of loneliness will kick in. (And wow those childhood pictures are cute, though Mizuho is definitely a girl in all of them; no questions asked).

However, Yukari’s story is rather crap. Her melancholy begins so suddenly that it’s hard to believe the episode before, she is still cheerful and happy. This is what happens when the development of characters are squeezed into individual episodes, instead of spread out evenly throughout the majority of the first half of the series. At least with Mariya’s problem, there is a catalyst that triggers her sudden unhappiness (that being Mizuho agreeing to perform in the play). And while Takako got some development in the previous episodes, her real issue is starting to surface, in the form of her confused self and seeming infatuation with Mizuho. Fainting with a kiss of a kiss on the cheek is a bit much too, but I guess for the purpose of emphasizing her feelings, this is necessary. So now the direction which has emerged in this show is probably the relationship between Takako and Mizuho (one which I wholeheartedly disapprove of). And of course, I can already see Takako finding out that Mizuho is supposedly a guy, though I wouldn’t believe it unless I got some solid, visual proof.

Rating: 8/10

Impressions:

Ok, I am still wondering why Mizuho is supposed to be a guy. Is there any point in this? Was making her ’supposedly’ a trap meant to attract more viewers? I mean, the show can still go one as usual even if she was declared 100% female. And love has nothing to do with this, as Maria-sama ga Miteru and Strawberry Panic show shoujo-ai is not such a strange genre. Talking about love, it seems that Takako is becoming more likely to be Mizuho’s love interest, or the other way around. She’s getting a lot more screen time, suggesting she will have an important roll soon enough. Anyway, this episode introduces the characters in their new black, winter uniform. But that’s not really important, as the ‘fight’ between Mizuho and Takako over Kana’s ribbon, as well as Mizuho’s lesson in life, clearly take precedence in this episode. I’m a little annoyed at the pointlessness of everything, since all this does is perhaps develop the characters more. Usually, for a school-based anime with no clear direction, the episodes to pass time are meant to be more meaningful and fun.

I wish OtoBoku would just stick with comedy. At least that way there would be some fun, and a comedy would suggest the characters engaging in more creative activities than something like this. The episode focusing on Ichiko is a good example; fun-filled, light-hearted and meaningful (it introduces a new character). Of course, not every episode can introduce a new character or show something important, especially for a loose series like this with no set goals. Then there’s also the issue with the stupidity of the reasoning behind everything. I mean, causing a mass assembly for the sake of a complain directed over a ribbon? Takako was being gay too for telling Kana to take it off too. Her reason was stupid as well, as it’s not like it’s gonna affect anyone. And protecting the school’s image? Heh, who are they protecting their image from? Anyway though, I hope this show starts taking some direction soon, which will most likely be romance-orientated. Once again, I think it will be Takako (perhaps Shion if she got more attention, but she doesn’t).

Rating: 8.5/10

Impressions:

OtoBoku 6 takes a dive for comedy once again, and makes excellent use of it too! There are many humorous scenes scattered throughout the short time-span of 22 minutes. Character development is present once again, this time focusing on Mizuho and Takako, and perhaps Mariya and Takako as well. Mariya’s reason for having a grudge on Takako is rather idiotic I’d say, and it’s on the writer’s part for coming up with something so simple and poorly thought out. The setting this time is the swimming pool, a common area of focus in bishoujo anime, but being the type of show that it is, OtoBoku decides to not centre the entire time on cute girls in swimsuits, but throw in some extra plot ridden with opportunities for more girl-to-girl interaction. There’s also an abundance of fanservice this episode as well, thought I’d point that out. Mizuho in a swimsuit is but one of many examples, and it seems like she (yes it’s a she!) actually got breast implants before coming to this school. What dedication…

The only problem that still remains is that supposed bulge in her crotch. If she really is a he, he should just get a sex change or something since she seems perfectly fine with being in such an environment. Even seeing nude girls in the change rooms only just manages to make her blush, and nothing else. What’s the point of being a guy if your body functions exactly like that of a girl’s? I have this almost doubtless feeling that Takako is going to become close friends with Mizuho and make up with Mariya. It just seems natural that everyone ends up getting along for this show. It’s now halfway through the show, so if OtoBoku actually has a plot, that should be kicking in any time now. I wouldn’t mind it if it ended with a random show like this though, since at least it’s humorous. What I don’t get is why the scene with Mariya hitting Mizuho underwater wasn’t done in their signature chibi mode, since it would look far funnier. This now starts that question of whether OtoBoku does best with drama or comedy once again. I’ve always said comedy, but of course, when you get too much of one thing, you become inclined to another. Now I’d really like to see some drama, and I mean real, serious drama. Not something like ‘Taihen nano desuyo~Mariya-san has fallen ill and won’t be able to attend the idol competition, what shall we do?! (orz) Oooh onee-sama can save the day!’ but something along the lines of a serious depression, illness or loss of property (eg dorms burning down, charring Shion to the point of near death!) Anything that’s tragic will do. I’m temped to just go and read some blogs that go by raws, but then there will be no anticipation from here on.

Rating: 7.8/10

Impressions:

All the theories regarding Mizuho’s mother and Ichiko’s senpai are either confirmed or refuted. Mizuho’s mother did indeed stay in her room, and she is Ichiko’s senpai from 22 years ago. It seems that Mizuho’s grandfather put her in that particular room because it belonged to her mother once, meaning it is some sort of special place. However, I wonder why Mizuho was never informed about this fairly important piece of information. With that out of the way though, the show is free to continue on with The Adventures of Mizuho and Company, since there is now no more past dramas to worry about. However, something serious is probably going to happen near the end of the series as well. I hope it doesn’t get darker before then though, since I find Otome wa Boku ni Koishiteru does better with comedy rather than drama. Ichiko’s major arc seems to have passed now, and next episode appears to revolve around Mizuho and Takako, but I wonder whether it will be as friends or rivals. There still needs to be a real Mariya-centric episode, since she’s still my favourite girl. Also, neither Kana nor Yukari have gotten their individual episodes yet, so that will be something to anticipate. By looking at the episode titles of the next few episodes, I can already see a Kana and Mariya episode.

The last point brings me to this: Where is this anime going? No where is what I believe. I doubt there will even be some spectacular event at the end spanning over several episodes. While I don’t like anime of certain genres to be adventurous (meaning having a understandably progressive plot from early on and concluding at the end of the series), it’s not that fun when nothing happens in a noticeable succession. I understand that most pure romance, comedy, harem, school-life genres are like this, which is why I always hope for something different. Oh well, I’m not criticising this show or anything, since I enjoy watching it; they’re just some random thoughts. Anyway, regarding Ichiko x Mizuho, the build up to the semi-obvious revelation is a well thought-out procedure that requires some attention paid to the show apart from drooling over the girls (ok fine, exaggeration). Ichiko being able to touch Mizuho is shown several times, displaying their connection with each other. The barrier signifies that Ichiko has to stay close to the ’sacred room’ at all times due to Mizuho’s mother, but her being able to take Ichiko out of it makes their connection much more obvious for those who hadn’t caught on by then. I think it was pretty obvious that Ichiko would return, with those clues.

Rating: 8.5/10

Impressions:

I am quite surprised with the sudden implementation of the paranormal (yes, I have decided to write in present tense from now on since that’s what my English teacher always tells us *sigh* not that she’s gonna read this blog anyway). I was highly expecting everything to be a simple misunderstanding, until the ripped charm in Kana’s hands start glowing (argh, present tense sounds so weird for some reason!) At least now I know who the ghost girl in the ending sequence is. Eh, did I mention her seiyuu is the one who did Mikuru from SHnY? I became quite perplexed about the situation where Ichiko not only manages to materialise herself in the real world, she actually becomes solid as well. I had been puzzling over how she had suddenly gained the ability to touch living things, but I figured it’s probably a sign of her closeness to Mizuho. Omni mentioned that Ichiko’s onee-sama from 22 years ago was in fact Mizuho’s mother. That is most likely true since it seems like the kind of situation the writers of OtoBoku would come up with. I really do think they are trying too hard with the drama in the show, as everyone has already said, comedy works wonders when it is used as the main appeal. Even so, the funniest part this episode had to be the after-ad shot of chibi Mizuho freaking out over his stubble, with Kana just wtfing in the background.

Since Ichiko is probably going to be living with Mizuho from now on, it’s almost certain that she will find out Mizuho’s secret sooner or later. I am amazed that he could keep his composure when sleeping so close to two girls (Ichiko and Yukari). Their reactions afterward (reaching up and stroking Mizuho’s hair while asking for ‘more’) makes you think what really happened during the night…However, if Mizuho can remain so calm in that kind of situation, all he has to worry about is being caught in the bath by Ichiko. Even so, I hope at least one more person finds out about Mizuho before the great unveiling (as I want that to happen too). This time though, the person who finds out better act ‘normal’, since the fact that he is a boy must’ve passed through Shion’s cerebrum but missed her panic organ. Shion is just tremendously boring, which is why her uncovering Mizuho’s secret resulted in no fun at all. Takako, on the other hand, turns out to be more feminine than I thought, with her fear of ghosts. She also seems to be warming up to Mizuho quite quickly now, and it won’t be too long before they became good friends. Mariya won’t be happy about that though. Out of everyone, Mariya is the most suited for Mizuho, though I doubt anything like what happens in Strawberry Panic is going to happen.

Plot Outline:

- During the night, Mariya is telling a ghost story but only Yukari becomes scared and makes a fuss
- The topic on the reason for Mizuho’s room being in the north side of the dorms is raised, to which Mariya answers saying that it was part of Mizuho’s grandfather’s will
- Mizuho does not think too much of it, but finds herself pondering over why his grandfather would have put it in his will for him to sleep in that room specifically, as well as the possibility of a ghost there
- After Takako asks him about it, he asks her whether she believes in ghosts and she suddenly becomes flustered
- That night, Yukari convinces Mizuho to let her sleep in the same bed as him since she has become frightened of the night after hearing Mariya’s stories

- The next morning, Mariya finds out
- During the day, Kana reveals the whole story behind the ghost in Mizuho’s room, and that a girl had died there 22 years ago while waiting for her onee-sama to return after leaving the academy
- That night, Kana goes to Mizuho’s room to give him some more info on the matter, but one thing leads to another and she somehow summons forth the ghost of the girl who died 22 years ago
- The girl introduces herself as Ichiko and thinks Mizuho is the onee-sama she had been waiting for
- After things are settled (somewhat), Kana goes back to her own room
- Ichiko then decides to sleep with Mizuho, and since there is no way to get rid of her, he is forced to comply
- The next day, Mariya finds out…again

Impressions:

I still haven’t quite gotten used to the conventions of shoujo-ai genre. Okay, I’ll just be calling that yuri from now on since it sounds better. So far from what I’ve seen, there will be the mature onee-figure who all the younger girls squeal for. That’s basically the real thing. Having the whole school lust for one single person of the same sex as if they’ve known no other way of living. The main character could be one of those blinded girls. She could be an outsider, or someone who doesn’t fall prey to this older sister syndrome. She might be take the role of this glorified woman. And, she might even be a he. I wonder, how many yuri shows are there that follow the guidelines of a sensible, realistic romance, only replacing the guy with a girl, and not making the entire cast female? Or maybe a yuri that follows harem standards, where the female lead has a small group of girls who are vying for her? I’ve yet to even know about shows of any other genre to have shoujo-ai incorporated as the main theme. The all girls school seems to be a recurring theme too, to completely close off the male world from the entire series. That’s the problem with OtoBoku. I wonder, can you call it a shoujo-ai/yuri show? And I wonder if Mizuho will ever appear in guy-mode. And how many people will find out his secret?

The whole Elder-process was finished rather quickly, so I guess a lot of the time from now on will focus on Mizuho’s new life as Elder. Or it could diverge from that side story and go into something completely different. Typically, romance, harem, yuri, and maybe yaoi (dunno about yaoi since I’ve never seen one) all have episode-by-episode events, which means there are a bunch of little stories, different in each episode, that has the sole purpose of developing the relationships between the main characters. This of course, does not apply to genres of this type mixed with other, more adventurous genres. So now my point; I really hope OtoBoku can do something different from the standard and show a continuous story. I’m not saying that progressive plots are always better than a series of sub-stories, as proved by Suzumiya Haruhi. But if you’ve read the novels, or for people like me, the translated novels, you’ll know about the continuous incident about this certain person altering the time/space continuum and some complicated crap like that, with a lot of time travelling involved, alternate dimensions and stuff (more specifically, volume 4 – the Disappearance of Suzumiya Haruhi). That event is by far more exciting, interesting and addictive material than stand-alone episodes, so yeah I really just disproved what I said earlier.

Anyway, what I was saying earlier is that these shows (yuri, harem etc) always have trouble ending, especially when there is no definite love interest between two characters. I guess there will be some sort of big event that starts maybe one or two episodes before the finale, which will be resolved in the final episode, and the series will end on the life goes on notion. Well, next episode, it seems like there will be the introduction of a new character. From the preview it looks like some sort of monster or ghost, but I’m sure it will all work out to in perfect coherence with logic and reality. We have yet to see what the characters get up to at night, so maybe that’s what will happen next episode. I also hope some sort of aim is presented soon, since any show without a ‘goal’ will have a hard time ending well. And if that goal is a weak goal, then the ending will still be bad. It’s a pity that a lot of shows with strong goals are still ended pretty badly. Hopefully, the main characters will all be involved one way or another in the major plot, and not just be there to disturb us and Mizuho. I’m also pretty comfortable about thinking of Mizuho as a girl, since it’s not like anything bad’s gonna happen from thinking that way. I wonder how I feel if s/he got together with another girl. Would it be Shion, Mariya, Takako or some other character yet to be introduced? There’s always the possibility that the show will stay clean, but that would completely destroy its potential, so I’m betting some development will start soon.

Impressions:

If I accept this show as a yuri, I’ll be able to enjoy it like I did Strawberry Panic (I’m gonna call all shoujo-ai shows yuri since it sounds better, so don’t try to correct me). The show is not 100% female though, as we still get the slightest of male behaviour from Mizuho, though he doesn’t do anything with near enough conviction. For example, when he was in the changing rooms, he hardly blushed at all while he does so all the time elsewhere. I also found that seen a bit off since I’m sure neither Mariya nor Shion would let Mizuho into the girls changing rooms without so much as a second thought, not to mention they were half naked themselves (they DID know about Mizuho’s gender secret at the time). Although Mizuho may do some guy things still, he is pretty much a complete girl now. When Shion confronted him and discovered his secret, he acted so cowardly I felt ashamed. Not even a girl would run and hide around someone else’s back, at that age especially. Oh well, anime is anime I guess.

Despite these little things that I always tend to complain about, I did enjoy the show (as a yuri). Now that I’ve gotten over the fact that it’s not a silly harem, I can watch this show with the full interest it deserves. So far, the anime is holding out quite well. We also see the hideous yet hilarious chibis again for a bit (god I love those things!) as well as some more girl on girl groping…no wait, make that girl on boy with fake breasts groping. That part, Mizuho acted more like a girl than anytime else. “Erh, I can feel the pressure!”~aww…he can feel pressure on his chest…big deal! I really hate it when he acts so feminine – why can’t an actual girl do that in the show? Someone like Mariya, since she’s playful and cheery. Shion is your typical one-sama currently, so I’ll just forget about her for the time being since she’s so boring. The two younger girls are the underlings that love the main female character (in this case male); sure they’re cute, but in a childish way, and once again, very generic.

The reason why I am comparing this show to Strawberry Panic all the time is simply because Strawberry Panic is the only other yuri anime I’ve seen. Remember, I only started really watching anime at the beginning of this year (when I say really, I mean by means other than Adult Swim on Cartoon Network). It wasn’t until spring this year that I started following anime by episode, so yes I am very, very new to anime. You can read more about that here. Anyways, I am looking forward to the next episode, and am hoping to see some more interaction between characters, some more awkward moments with Mizuho, more history on Shion and more Mariya overall (you should’ve guessed by now that Mariya is my favourite character). Some more conflict between the student council president and Mizuho/Mariya/Shion team would be nice. By the way, if you’re not too good with names, Mizuho is the main male lead, Mariya is his childhood friends with the pink hair, and Shion is the black haired girl who is repeating a year.

OP: [Love Power] by Aice5
Download *right click – save target as* (TV size mp3 – 2.07mb)

ED: [Beautiful Day] by Yui Sakakibara
Download *right click – save target as* (TV size mp3 – 2.07mb)

Plot Outline:

- In class, Mizuho meets the girl who passed him yesterday (the one who said ‘gokigenyo’) called Shion
- The two become acquaintances, though Shion notices something different about Mizuho from the day before
- After class, Mizuho enters the girls bathrooms and rushes into a cubicle, in case someone else was there
- After doing his business, he comes out to see Shion, who tells him that his fly is undone
- Mizuho reacts like a guy would and apologises without thinking, then realises he’s wearing a dress
- Shion then takes Mizuho outside and confronts him about his true gender
- Mizuho denies her claim that she is a guy but Shion has already made up her mind about him being a boy
- Mariya encounters the two and Mizuho goes to hide behind her
- Shion finds out that Mariya is Mizuho’s childhood friend, while she discovers that Shion knows about Mizuho’s secret
- In the end though, Shion promises not to tell anyone as she thinks of Mizuho as a good friend

- As Mizuho and Shion start spending more time together, the rest of the school marvels at their perfect coupling
- Shion and Mariya manage to help Mizuho change into his PE uniform without anyone seeing him, but then catch him looking at the other girls change and decide to punish him by rubbing his (fake) breasts
- During PE, Mizuho plays exceptionally in basketball as he forgets he ’s meant to be a girl
- Everyone who sees only spread more gossip about Mizuho being an excellent basketballer, instead of suspecting he is a guy
- After the topic comes up, Mariya explains to Mizuho what being an ‘Elder’ is
- Being an Elder makes you the elder sister of the school, where everyone looks up to you and calls you one-sama
- Of course, the selection is done by a vote, but everyone is sure Mizuho will get selected
- However, when Mizuho asks why Shion isn’t going to participate, she tells him that she had been the Elder last year, but got hospitalised for some time now, and had to repeat a year
- Some time later, Mizuho, Shion and Mariya encounter the student council president, who wants to stop Mizuho from becoming the Elder
- Mariya thinks this is because she wants to become Elder herself, as if no Elder is elected, the student council president steps up to the role
- The episode ends with everyone resolving to either make or break Mizuho, and the mission (lol) to turn Mizuho into the Elder begins